Staying Safe in Mindanao

This post is actually a response to a comment we had on RTTP asking for an honest and true account of what it's like to live as an expat in two specific areas of Mindanao, Iligan and Cagayan. I thought the response deserved more attention and so have decided to publish it as a post.

It should be noted that Mitchell's response is specifically for these two areas and is based on his personal experiences. There are areas of Mindanao that are known hot-spots for various terrorists groups and you should always do your due diligence before travelling to the region. For more information on the subject you can check out our article, Travel Advisories for the Philippines and the many other resources and references available on the Internet.

Much of the advice that Mitchell offers is applicable to living anywhere in the Philippines and indeed any country where YOU are the foreigner and YOU are the visitor.

Here's the response…

Hi Kevin,

Yes, I agree, there are conflicting reviews on the internet. Most of the negative comments are mostly from people who have never been to the region. For all intents and purposes, my looks are European, coming from a Spanish-French ancestry. I've learned to be part of the scenery. I can tell you how good Iligan and Cagayan is, but this would be biased, because I have family and friends in these areas.

The key word to your safety is to be a friend. There is a Canadian, Kyle “Kulas” Jennerman, who has been living in Cagayan de Oro for the last three years, and have traveled nearly all of Mindanao, mostly alone, sometimes with a friend. If you want to see videos of Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro, and Mindanao, and the rest of the Philippines, look for his facebook page, Becoming Filipino, or his website by the same name. Kulas has lots of videos. YouTube also have videos by locals of Iligan and “CDO”, as some people fondly call Cagayan.

I don't know how old you are but age shouldn't matter. Intent matters, because this will affect how people relate to you. If you're travelling alone, some people will think that you're there to find a “wife”, or sex. Be sober. If you're a drinker, stay in hotels with security guards. Don't be alarmed if the guards are armed.

Public transport is completely different to the UK. Everyone speaks English. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the money and words used in relation to money. Taxi's are available and inexpensive. Buses – take your pick, jeepneys are the most common, use jeepneys for the experience. Ask the driver to stop at a specific place and let him know that your not familiar. “Dili ko anad”.

Plan your daily trip. Ask for help from the locals. Trust your feelings about someone. There are opportunistic people, like anywhere else. Smile always. A grumpy face attract grumpy people.

Don't be demanding – always say please.

Do not flash your money/wallet. Only have enough money for the day's trip. A thick billfold, bulging and visible while in your pocket, will attract people.

Dress like the locals. By this I mean – don't flash your western name branded clothes. Some locals will dress like that. But that's them, and they're local.

Iligan and Cagayan de Oro are full of Westerners. More so in Cebu.

Depends what you want to see or experience. You haven't really asked any question. I can be more specific. Your mention of “home office” tells me you're not a “regular” traveler.

I don't have a business. I have nothing to promote other than how beautiful the place and people of Iligan and Cagayan are. Be a beautiful person, and the beauty of the place will be revealed to you by the locals.

Never a good idea to broadcast your trip/itinerary on the internet. The aussie that got kidnapped about three years ago was a victim of circumstances. He was married to a local – had an argument – upset some people – kidnappings can be arranged. He also wrote about his trips around the world. Naturally, some people thought that he was rich, and a target.

Be a friend. Be visible. Go where there are a lot of people. People are most likely to help you, and protect you from other opportunistic people, if you are a friend.

If you're only travelling between Iligan and Cagayan, visit their city government's respective websites. There are plenty of sand and seas and rivers to enjoy. People are friendly, if you are friendly.

yours,

Mitchell Badelles

If you have any specific questions for Mitchell then please feel free to post them in the comments below. Please keep your comments short and to the point as the comment section is not the place for lengthy posts and explanations.

Thanks for your understanding and have a great time in the Philippines!

I do go to Mindanao, mostly around Butuan City area. I have also been to Davao a few times, Surigao, Siargao and CDO. I wouldn’t go to Zamboanga City though as I wouldn’t feel safe. Just my opinion of course 🙂

I have been to Mindanao,Cdo and Butuan. Cdo is called the friendly city,I found it so. Is much more modern than Butuan and Butuan was very hot,not many expats were there compared to CDO. Can fly into CDO but I understand they built new airport nearby. Took bus to Butuan think it was 4 hours.

Hello David, I was pleased to see your comments, the Philippine climate is something I can only discover once I am there and I do hope it’s tolerable? My reason for the visit is to see if retirement there were possible. At least I won’t be alone as I do have Filipino friends living there. However I am keen to learn as much as I can before flying over there which is why I placed my first question on here. The airport at CDO has moved to Laguindingan Intl Airport but they are relatively close to one another. I felt… Read more »

My dear father-in-law and the rest of my wife’s family is in the Philippines, mostly on the island of Cebu. I have heard warnings about Mindanao and think that Cebu is a lot safer for the “white” man, though after reading this article I see that even Mindanao can be partly safe if a person uses caution. Thank you for taking the time to write this. Bob.

We travelled the Philippines for 9 months from Mindanao including,Sultan kudarat,Lanao, including Lake Bulu-an,Iligan, Davao,To Butuan. Jolo,Zamboanga, And of course to the North of Luzon(Abra). The Visayas of course.
Not forgetting Palawan, it is beautiful and we never stop visiting Palawan, It is safe and peaceful.
Pilipinos are very hospitable and friendly and we never get into trouble.
I must say it depends on your vibration. Travel simple and act like locals!Have fun!
And Never write in the internet about your whereabouts! For me its personal!
Thank you

Always good to read about other people’s views but the only way to really find out is to actually visit the place and that’s exactly what I will be doing in a few months’ time. Hopefully I will then have some constructive comments to post on my return.

I just returned from a month in CDO visiting family and friends (my wife is a filipina, I am Canadian caucasian) This was my 3rd time staying there. I spend time in resorts as well as much time in the neighborhoods. It’s a great place. When I am here I act like a local and I am appreciated for it. Accept their customs and their way of life and don’t bring western expectations with you or you may become frustrated. For every detail you might find lacking here you will find many more qualities in people that you will not… Read more »

I have just returned from my first visit to Mindanao’s Iligan city. Before I went I was very unsure about safety but safety never proved to be an issue. When you go the Philippines it may well become a shock to the eye but once you get to know the people and their ways you will soon discover the Philippines is an exciting place. The main problems, I found, were language, getting about, the heat and their foods. Apart from the language all these problems were soon overcome (I was fortunate to have a local guide with me for the… Read more »

Great article that specifically addresses my personal concerns! I am going to live on the western side of Leyte in my wife’s hometown of Baybay City where I have travelled 3 times (twice in the 80’s and once in 2008.) I am learning Visayan, have adopted many aspects of the culture as my own, will live off the land and do everything in my power to contribute to the community. I hope to inspire, be inspired and perspire!

I have returned to Iligan city for another short stay (4 weeks) but this time in their rainy season. I intend to retire here (provided I can understand their visa system) hence my second visit.I have one more planned next year before I finally decided for the best. On my last trip I was extremely concerned about safety but now I am puzzled as to the numerous posts about safety. Provided you are aware of your surroundings, don’t venture to places you would not otherwise venture to then there is little reason to worry. It’s true there are plenty of… Read more »

Ken’s comments are very sound advice. I have been going to the Philippines for 11 years. My wife and I have been married ten years last month. We just got back from a five weeks in the Philippines. We attended a wedding in Davao, stayed three days on Samal Island and went to see President Duterte’s house. For the most part I did not think too much about safety but did not disregard it. Visited the place in Davao the bomb was placed. In our travels we go to Bukidnon to visit relatives and also CDO. Most of the time… Read more »

Thank you for the mention Doctor; You may also like to know that I have made up my mind and plans are afoot to emigrate next year. At the present I am still baffled by their visa system and struggling to ensure I have everything in place before I go. Trying to get everything just right is a nightmare but it has to be done. I am trying for the S.R.R.V Classic visa as I feel that is the one which is most suited to my needs. I hope to post my comments on how I achieved it, once completed,… Read more »